MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.0K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Overall Cost
14.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,083
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.0K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$228K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:114
Median Home:$489K

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 214K residents.

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Music City USA
  • Country music capital
  • Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Des Moines, IA vs Nashville, TN

🏠Housing
27.5%
Des Moines, IA
$2,079
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$572
more
📦Other
20.8%
Des Moines, IA
$1,607
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$335
more
🏥Healthcare
10.9%
Des Moines, IA
$682
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$74.35
less
All Utilities
10.5%
Des Moines, IA
$470
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$49.18
more
🚗Transportation
3.3%
Des Moines, IA
$1,243
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$40.98
more
🛒Groceries
4.4%
Des Moines, IA
$909
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$39.97
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,020
To$1,600
$580
1 Bed
From$1,060
To$1,680
$620
2 Bed
From$1,260
To$1,840
$580
3 Bed
From$1,720
To$2,350
$630
Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960$1,150/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320$2,230/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,990
Monthly in Des Moines, IA
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$962
Difference

Home Values

Des Moines
Nashville
$228K
Median Value
$489K
↑ +1.2%
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
↑ +32.4%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
$157K - $344K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 114% more expensive than Des Moines

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$10.7K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$892
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
7.1%
Rate difference

Des Moines, IA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Iowa State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.7K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.7K
Take-Home Pay
$8,524/month
$102.3K

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Des Moines
Nashville
45 Good
Air Quality
50 Good
67.5%
Good Air Days
51.6%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
97 High
🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🫨🌪
+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days
+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Iowa and Tennessee on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Des Moines, IA on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Nashville, TN

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison